Yarrow mixed colors

Achillea millefolium

A really lovely tough perennial hardy to zone 2. It grows very well in hot dry
areas and flowers for long periods. IT can be stepped on mown and ignored and
it will still thrive. Very drought tolerant and takes almost no care once established.
Can be used as a ground cover in sunny dry areas then mown down once a year
(in fall) to keep tidy. Deer and rabbits don't eat it. Will spread and can become
invasive if not controlled but it's a small price to pay for this lovely hardy
plant which can bring so many flowers to the garden for so long. Makes a great
cut flower although some people don't like the scent.

Item #

Packet size

Packet size Grams

Number Seeds(approx)

Price

Qty

Small

0.10 g

500 seeds

$2.00

Out of Stock

Medium

0.20 g

1000 seeds

$3.50

Out of Stock

Large

0.50 g

2500 seeds

$6.00

Out of Stock

Please note: all seeds are sold by weight and seed count is approximate.

Description of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a lovely tough perennial hardy to zone 2. In early spring it sends
up a mound of fluffy feathery leaves that are bright to mid green and can reach
up to 4" (10.5 cm) long and 1" (2.5 cm) across. Each leaf is made
up of dozens of small leaflets that are much branched (laciniate) and arranged
opposite along the stem. Each looks like a tiny tree with the whole being feathery
or fluffy. From the mound of fresh green leaves the flower stalks begin to rise
in mid spring . Stems can be branched and each branch is topped by a much branched
flat cyme of flowers made up of dozens of tiny flowers with five outer petals
and small inner tubular star shaped flowers with yellow centers. The whole slower
head can be a up to 6" (15.25 cm) across with stalks about 18" - 24"
(46 - 61 cm) tall. Flowers come in a range of colors. The original wildflower
is white
but some colors were found and later cultivated so now its found in cream,
pink, red, salmon and lilac. Flowers have an interesting scent which some
people like and others don't. Foliage is also aromatic. Long flowering with
first major flush in late spring but if cut back can flower until frost. Leaves
are evergreen in warmer zones.

Growing Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) from seed
Can be direct sown in early spring when all danger of frost has passed. Since
seed is small starting indoors in pots is suggested. Sow in mid to late winter
in flats or plug cells and use medium to light soil mix. Seeds require light
to germinate so do not cover. Germination usually takes about 10-20 days
but can be longer if conditions are not favorable. Transplant seedlings into
individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on to about 6" (15.25
cm) tall before planting out. Harden off first. See general
growing instructions for more detailed information.
Plant out in a full sun location. Best planted on cloudy day especially if rain
is forecast. This allows plant to become accustomed to their area before being
hit by bright sunshine. Space plants 12-24" (30 - 46 cm) apart as they
will spread quickly. Water in well and water until established. Once established
can be left alone with no further care needed. Flowers in first year but only
sparingly. Second year will produce massive blooms in favorable sites.

Location and care of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Much prefers full sun. It will grow in light shade but tends to become straggly
and does not flower much. Does well in hot dry areas and on poor soil. In fact
does better on poor soil than rich ones. Once established it needs little water
and is very drought tolerant. In prolonged droughts it will wilt and suffer
but in most cases it will recover. Excellent as a ground cover in sunny areas.
Very little maintenance needed. Can be added to lawns as it tolerates mowing
and remains green even when lawns have turned brown from drought. As a ground
cover can be left until fall then mown down to keep flower heads tidy. It will
spread using creeping stems and self seeding and can become invasive if not
controlled. Salt tolerant so will grow in shore/beachside gardens.
Some sites report use in shade, we do not recommend it. Plants become thin and
straggly they do not function as a ground cover and don't flower. Perhaps in
zones below 6/7 shade may work but not above.

Benefits of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Flower heads attract many beneficial insects to the garden. These may then prey
on unwanted insect on other flowers or vegetables so acting as a biological
control and reducing pesticide use. It is
an excellent companion plant but be
aware of spreading habit. Although we have seen it listed as a bee plant, our
bees never touch it. Deer don't usually eat it, but will if there is nothing
else around. (they have to be desperate).

Edible Uses of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Yarrow leaves are edible and can be used in salads or cooked. They do have a
unusual flavor and can be a sweet bitter taste so experiment before adding too
much. Was once used instead of hops to flavor beer and added to wine. An interesting
wine can be made using the flowers.
An essential oil from the flowering heads is used as a flavouring for soft drinks.

Medicinal uses of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Usually the wild white flowering yarrow is used medicinally, especially if the
flowers are used but the leaves of all are equally good.
Yarrow has been used in Europe where it is native for a very long time as a
healing herb. It is high in silica and has resins that make it quite astringent.
These properties help in repairing damaged tissues in the body and make it very
versatile for treatment of wounds, cuts, burns, ulcers and other skin disorders.
It is very useful in stopping the flow of blood in most places. Internally yarrow
is used to aid digestion and to prevent diarrhea and dysentery as well as helping
to reduce internal hemorrhage of intestinal lining. It is also used in the treatment
of gastritis and as a tonic for the liver as well as gas and colic. Taken as
a hot tea it is used to treat fevers, colds, flu and coughs as well as sore
throats. It also functions as a diuretic promoting the flow of urine which helps
remove excess toxins from the body and helps with treatment of cystitis, irritable
bladder and stones. It is also used to help control menstrual pains and excessive
monthly bleeding. It is also reported as a stimulant or tonic for the nervous
system.
Caution. Although it is used to stop blood flow in many places it can cause
blood flow in the nose, hence one of its common names nosebleed. Therefore never
insert any part of the leaves or flower into the nose it will cause bleeding.

Other Uses of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
The leaves have been used as a cosmetic cleanser for greasy skin. Yellow and
green dyes are obtained from the flowers